ChiangMai Transportation

Getting around in Chiang Mai isn’t difficult. There are several options ranging from the ubiquitous tuk tuk to privately hired day tour taxis with driver. Each has a use depending on the distance, convenience and level of comfort required. As usual you have to be sharp to taxi drivers chancing it with inflated fees, but on the whole transportation in Thailand is very reasonable.

Tuk tuks: are a fun experience and better at beating traffic jams, but their open back mean a mouthful of car fumes. They are only suitable for two people and a small suitcase, but are easy to pick up. Always bargain with the driver, but they aren’t the cheapest mode.

Songteaws: are informal taxis and minibus public transport consisting of pickup trucks with two benchrows under the rear canopy and are found everywhere. They ply set routes and stop at will to pick up or let off passengers, charging about 10 baht for a 15 minute journey. If they have no passengers they will take you directly to an out of the way destination for a little more.

eter-cabs: are increasing in number but confined mostly to the airport route. They are air conditioned and usually won’t argue if you insist on using the meter (unless there is a planeload of gullible tourists queueing up behind you).

Rented motorbikes: are a popular choice for getting about the old town and even out to the national parks and mountains. A Honda Dream 125cc scooter is easy to rent and drive and the traffic isn’t as daunting as it seems. Parking is convenient but remember to wear your helmet!Bicycles: are also freely available for rent and good for exploring the old town lanes. It does get quite hot around midday however.+

Public buses: run on several routes around the city and were only recently introduced in the face of stiff opposition from the taxi association. They are cheap and air conditioned and arrive every 15 minutes but are seldom practical for visitors.

Private hire: is a good idea if there is a group of you. Tuk tuks and songteaws advertise that they are available for day hire and will know where all the good tourist spots are, but avoid any offers to be taken to specific shops. Tuk tuk drivers try this ruse by offering a free ride but you’ll waste plenty of time arguing your way out of aggressive gem dealer and tailor shops. Reputable tour guides hire out their mini van or car on a per-day basis which is useful.
Below we have recommended several good services for transportation.

Credit article : http://www.guildeline.com/

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Chiangmai Tourist info

The ancient city of Chiang Mai has plenty of attractions of historical, cultural, natural and contemporary interest. These can be visited on walking tours, by joining a specific tour or exploring under your own steam with a rented bike. Sightseeing in Chiang Mai is a popular activity, with plenty to be seen.
Starting in the Old Town you can follow the square mile perimeter of Chiang Mai’s unique 700 year old moat, with its pretty environs, impressive corner bastions and five rebuilt city gates. Within here you’ll find the charming lanes of a traditional Thai city, complete with hundreds of beautiful Thai temples whose architecture reflects the various eras that have influenced the city over the centuries. Tourist information and maps can be picked up from agents across the city

The most famous of the temples is Wat Chedi Luang, with its ruined 42m 16th Century chedi which was topped from an original height of 92m during an earthquake in 1545. Nearby is Wat Pan Tao, constructed entirely from teak. Another highly regarded temple is Wat Pha Singh, which displays a classic Lanna style and is home to a valuable Sinhalese Buddha. Wat Chiang Man, in the northeast corner of the old town is the city’s oldest and dates from the early 14th century. In fact, touring Chiang Mai by yourself, you can simply wander the city and chance upon all sorts of gaudy temples, with several interesting examples along Thapae road. The recently restored Wat Lookmooli outside the northwest side of the moat has a well preserved and enormous chedi and lovely viharn.

Presiding over Chiang Mai from the 1300m peak of Doi Suithep, west of the city is Wat Phra That Doi Suithep, which was founded in the 14th century and is one of the most reverred in all of Thailand. It has an impressive gilded chedi in a serene courtyard and certainly attracts the crowds. It sits inside a wonderful national park and boasts fantastic views of the valley. Exploring the park, it’s waterfalls and nature trails or lookout points is highly recommended for day trips touring Chiang Mai.
Also outside of the city, northwards, is the fun-filled Mae Sa Valley, set among mountainous landscape. Here you’ll find an array of attractions and activities which includes the Elephant camp, Mae Sa Waterfall, Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens, bungee Jumping, ATV rides, a dog show, snake farm, money show and orchid nurseries.

Wiang Khum Kham is know as ‘the Atlantis of Lanna’ – being the excavated ruins of a previous settlement southeast of the city which was abandoned due to flooding of the Ping river. It has a useful information centre, striking Burmese styled chedi, and is best explored on bicycle.

The Chiang Mai Night Safari is the city’s newest attraction, situated on more than 150 acres of land southwest of the city. Resembling an African safari and open day and night, visitors can see African animals in wild environments and enjoy the impressive facilities in this themed park. Nearby is the 60 acrelandscaped gardens of Royal Ratchaphruek Ground which hosts a massive floral expo during November 2006 to Jan 2007 in honour of His Majesty King Rama XI’s 60 year reign.

The Night bazaar is another famous Chiang Mai tourist attraction which attract bargain hunters nightly and presents some of the best value and widest range of any market in Thailand. The Ping River itself is an attraction and lined with entertainment venues, while markets, chedis, monuments and temples can be found scattered across the city.

Credit article: http://www.guidelines.com/

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Wellcome to Chiangmai Thailand.

Thailand’s ‘Rose of the North’ is the Ancient city of Chiang Mai, which today thrives on tourism with its rewarding blend of historical culture, natural beauty, excellent hospitality and great value shopping. It’s also a laid back and charming destination which serves as an excellent base for exploring the mountainous Northern region and its unique attractions.
Founded auspiciously on April 12th 1296 by King Mengrai as the new capital of his thriving Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai is located besides the Ping river, in a broad and fertile valley. The original city was marked out over roughly a square mile and guarded by a moat, which remains today as one of the city’s most unique characteristics. It is set about with grassy banks and pretty flamboyant trees, along with fountains, ancient corner bastions and restored gates to add a lovely and historical atmosphere to the city.

Although Chiang Mai is now very much a tourist town, much of its traditional character has been retained and visitors are often delighted with exploring the backlanes to chance upon one of the hundreds of beautiful temples, or bustling markets and old teak houses. Some of the temples date back to the 14th and 15th century and chedi ruins can be found randomly dotted all over the city, adding to its appeal. Chiang Mai boasts all sorts of attractions and activities to keep its visitors busy. The most popular is perhaps the looming mountain to the west of the city, Doi Suithep, a lovely national park with a fairy-tale like temple perched on the peak. It’s one of the country’s most visited. There are waterfalls and nature trails, along with a whole recreation area out at the Mae Sa valley that offers elephant rides, bungee jumping, a variety of fun animal shows, as well as a botanical garden and fantastic multi-tiered waterfall. If all this leaves you exhausted you might want to spend a day pampering your body in one of the many excellent spas in the city.

Shoppers find Chiang Mai particularly good value and it’s perhaps the best place in Thailand to find souvenirs and the many wonderful Thai handicrafts – many of which are produced here. Baan Tawai is the main artisans village south of the city where a wide selection of hand made, wood carved and furniture or décor products can be found at unbeatable prices. But far more convenient is the famed Night Market that holds centre stage on Chan Klan road by night and is a must-see for all.
This laid-back Northern capital also has a relaxing atmosphere and likes to entertain. There are literally hundreds of bars and restaurants all over the city, including a wide range of international cuisine to supplement the famous Thai food which adds such an memorable experience to your visit. They all very affordable and many include live entertainment or a lovely al fresco setting. It also has a excellent selection of hotels and guest houses to accommodate everyone at reasonable prices. From unbelievable themed five-star hotels to humble guesthouses in the old town, there is something for everyone.
Several museums and courses in massage, cooking or Thai language add a fun cultural learning experience to Chiang Mai. The hill tribes that occupy the highlands of this region are particularly fascinating with their subsistence lives and colourful dress and customs. Many tours of the region include these ethnic minorities in their itinerary.

Chiang Mai is also a good base for exploring the region. You can choose from day trips to Doi Inthanon national park (including Thailand’s highest peak), disappear into the jungle on a multi-day trekking expedition, or hire a car and find your way up to the famed Golden Triangle or bohemian hideaway of Pai. Numerous operators in town offer tours, which include all sorts of fun activities such as whitewater rafting, mountain biking, day treks and cultural experiences.

There is a distinctly modern side to Chiang Mai too, and it offers its residents a wide range of facilities such as large malls, computer plazas, the trendy Nimminhemin street, several universities (and the whole student atmosphere), international schools, sports bars and clubs and societies. For this reason it has become one of Thailand’s most attractive cities for ex-pats retiring or planning to live in Thailand.
With its down-to-earth charm, cheaper prices and friendly locals, Chiang Mai has a special place in the tourism brochures of Thailand and few people leave without good memories of their trip north.

Credit article : http://www.compasscm.com/

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